Universal Design for Learning

To do this, it is up to all of us to consider the small steps that we can take in our daily practice to contribute to this goal. A Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach towards creating learning materials, planning class activities, and assessing learning is one way of approaching this goal. The idea is that planning for students with a diverse set of needs may be essential for some, but it will also benefit all learners. On this page, you can find out more about accessibility, what UDL is, and what steps you can take to add elements of UDL into your practice. You can also find out more about upcoming events, national and university-wide projects, and more!

What is UDL

Conferences, Events & Projects

Accessibility and Inclusion require an institution-wide effort, and everyone plays a part. It is important to remember that accessibility is not just for students and colleagues with disabilities.

Working towards accessibility acknowledges that there is a wide spectrum of skills and abilities, and it is our job to create an equitable environment that values every perspective and provides everyone with the opportunity to succeed.

To do this, it is up to all of us to consider the small steps that we can take in our daily practice to contribute to this goal. A Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach towards creating learning materials, planning class activities, and assessing learning is one way of approaching this goal. The idea is that planning for students with a diverse set of needs may be essential for some, but it will also benefit all learners. On this page, you can find out more about accessibility, what UDL is, and what steps you can take to add elements of UDL into your practice. You can also find out more about upcoming events, national and university-wide projects, and more!

ATU Wins National UDL Award

The John Kelly Awards for Universal Design in Further and Higher Education aim to celebrate and recognise excellence in the embedding of universal design in both individual practice, and more systematically through strategic collaborative action.

After an international review process, ten finalists were shortlisted. ATU had two individual academics shortlisted and was also shortlisted for a collaborative award with UCC, UL and the National Learning Network. 

ATU won the collaborative award. The ATU team was led by Dr Niamh Plunkett & Maureen Haran.

ATU's Niamh Plunkett and Maureen Haran accepting the UDL Excellence in Collaboration Award with John Kelly, Mark Glynn, Anna Kelly and Dara Ryder.
UDL accessibility
University of Minnesota. (2022). Take Accessibility Training. https://accessibility.umn.edu/help-training/take-accessibility-training. Accessed March 2022.

Programmatic Review Preparation

Implementation of universal design principles in Teaching & Learning promotes inclusivity and equity while also ‘future-proofing’ your teaching. As our classrooms and lecture theatres become increasingly diverse, our practices must also adapt to reflect the changing landscape of higher education.

 
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework based on research in the learning sciences,  including cognitive neuroscience, which guides the development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences and cater for the wide range of diversity in our lecture rooms. 
 
The  link below connects you to a suite of videos that are 3 hours in length total and can be viewed in your own time. This will give you an introduction to the concept of Universal Design for Learning and invite you to review and update your own Teaching and Learning practice.  The UDL digital badge facilitators are happy to support you and will be in touch with an invitation to a lunch time informal meet up (end of March) where you can discuss this teaching and learning framework and share best practice as part of reflecting on module improvements you may have in mind for Programmatic Review. 
 
Ideally, if the content is viewed by the end of March,  this will give you plenty of time to view all of the UDL Concepts as well as time to reflect and connect with your peers  to share best UDL practice in teaching and learning!

UDL Conference 2023

UDL Conference 2022

UDL Conference 2021

UDL on-line content video link

The on-line UDL module video is 3 hours in length and you can view these in your own time. The link is comprised of multiple short videos for you to view that give an understanding of the UDL concepts. Here you will find the basics of UDL, the theory, some examples of good UDL practice and a reflective quiz on your own teaching and learning (the results are viewed only by you).

Additional Resources

UDL Case Studies

UDL Principles

Useful Resources

ATU Wins National UDL Award

The John Kelly Awards for Universal Design in Further and Higher Education aim to celebrate and recognise excellence in the embedding of universal design in both individual practice, and more systematically through strategic collaborative action. 

After an international review process, ten finalists were shortlisted. ATU had two individual academics shortlisted and was also shortlisted for a collaborative award with UCC, UL and the National Learning Network. ATU won the collaborative award. The ATU team was led by Dr Niamh Plunkett & Maureen Haran.

ATU's Niamh Plunkett and Maureen Haran accepting the UDL Excellence in Collaboration Award with John Kelly, Mark Glynn, Anna Kelly and Dara Ryder.
Pictured (L-R) Dara Ryder (CEO AHEAD), Dr Anna Kelly (UCD Access & Lifelong Learning), John Kelly, Dr Niamh Plunkett (Head of Teaching & Learning, ATU Sligo), Maureen Haran (ATU UDL Academic Lead), Dr Mark Glynn (Director, EY)